This booklet is one of a number of initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the impact of occupational stress on nurses in today’s society. It is hoped that this easy-to-read guide will help nurses understand how to manage personal stress and the responsibilities of employers in relation to occupational stress.

This publication contains information, advice and guidance to help members of the RCN. It is intended for use within the UK but readers are advised that practices may vary in each country and outside the UK.

The information in this booklet has been compiled from professional sources, but its accuracy is not guaranteed.Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the RCN provides accurate and expert information and guidance, it is impossible to predict all the circumstances in which it may be used.Accordingly, the RCN shall not be liable to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by what is contained in or left out of this guidance.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF N URSI NG

Managing your stress
A guide for nurses

Contents
page

1

Introduction

2

2

Stress and nursing

2

3

Stressed? Who, me?
Signs and symptoms

3

4

Reducing and managing stress

5

5

Occupational stress: what employers should be doing

8

6

Taking legal steps

11

7

Key points to remember

13

Appendices:
1

References and further reading

14

2

Useful contacts and websites

15

1

MANAGING YOUR STRESS – A GUIDE FOR NURSES

1

Introduction

– a chronic reaction, or it may be a series of rapid events over a short time period – an acute response. It may also
be a combination of the two in your personal and/or
professional life.

Stress has become a more recognised term over the past
decade and is a major cause for concern for many
nurses at work. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
defines stress as “the adverse reaction people have to
excessive pressure or other types of demand placed on
them”.

The stress response is also uniquely experienced and
perceived – one person’s stress is another person’s
stimulus! And vice versa. Just as your fingerprint has a lot in common with the fingerprint of another, it is also
unique to you, likewise with your response to stress.
Hence, there is no single solution, but there are a number
of ways to reduce and manage stress, some of...

...anytime. Consumer having the attack show’s physical symptoms such as dizzines and palpitation.
How it relates to or affects my clinical practice:
If the consumer is having panic attack the nurse can calm the consumer and the nurse can assisst the consumer through out the episode of the attack.
Refrences: Barlow, D. And Durand, M. (2008). Abnormal psychologyan integrative aprouch. (Fifth edition., 121-124)....

...(1) According to the Australian Indigenous Psychologists
Association (2010):
‘The term cultural competency refers to a
long-term, developmental process that moves
beyond cultural awareness (the knowledge about
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
primarily gained through media resources and
workshops) and cultural sensitivity (knowledge
as well as some level of direct experience with
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people).
Cultural competency emphasizes the...

...Reducing the number of pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among those aged under 16 is a government priority due to rising numbers of both (Department of Health, 1999; 2001; Social Exclusion Unit, 1999). Contraceptive nurses have a key role as they are in a unique position to give clients the opportunity to talk about intimate areas of their sexual life and anxieties in a non-judgemental environment (Everett, 1998).
Most agencies offering information, advice...

...Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator Role in Health Care Changes
Teaching is an integral part in the practice of nursing. Every Nurse Educators (NE) plays a fundamental part on the enhancement of the nursing workforce by serving as role models in the improvement on management, implementation and evidence-based practice of an effective patient care. Whether they work in schools or clinical environments, NE equips and guides future...

...depression...a rate of 8 or less is too low and requires nursing action.
Miller abbott tube is used for decompressing intestine, which relieves the small intestine by removing fluid and gas from small intestine.
If a client takes lithium the nurse should instruct the client to take in a good amount of sodium, without it causes retention of lithium and in turn leads to toxicity.
Rinne test- a vibrating tuning fork is held against the mastoid bone till pt can't hear...

...1. What nursing action is required b4 you measure fundal height= empty bladder full bladder make the fundal height higher.
2. What should a nurse do to prevent heat loss from evaporation= dry them up and remove the wet linen.
3. Child with cephalohematoma. What condition is associated with cephalohemetoma = jaundice
4. Why do we perform gestational age in a baby= to identify developmental level
5. What kind of exam do we perform to access for gestational age = ballot score...